How To Treat Heat Stroke

How to Treat Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a potentially fatal form of hyperthermia, or a high body temperature, that usually occurs in hot and humid climates. It can be caused by being in a hot environment for an extended period of time or by strenuous physical activity.

Furthermore, it may be exacerbated by dehydration, alcohol consumption, or a person wearing too much clothing as this prevents sweat from effectively evaporating and cooling the body.

Heat stroke usually affects infants and the elderly, but young adults can suffer from it as well. Because I have 2 kids, I went on a course to learn first aid because I feel it is my duty to look after my family in every way possible. In an emergency situation you are MORE likely to suffer with heat stroke, so learn how to treat it, it could save you and your family members.

If the person is exhibiting these symptoms, call for emergency medical help immediately. As mentioned before, heat stroke has potentially deadly effects. However, there are things you can do in the meantime to help the patient while EMS is on their way.

First, take any measures you can to make the victim comfortable and cool their body temperature. This includes laying them down on their back with feet elevated above the level of their head indoors or in a cool or shaded area, putting them in a tub of room temperature or tepid water (just be sure to remove them from the water when the body temperature drops to 102 degrees Fahrenheit) or applying ice packs to bodily “hot spots”: the groin, underarms, palms, soles of feet, back of neck, and/or the head.

You can also cover them with a wet sheet. Remove their clothing if it’s appropriate. Next, give them something cool (not cold—no ice!) to sip; water or an electrolyte-replenishing sports drink such as Gatorade or Powerade are your best options. A word of caution: don’t try to drop the body temperature too quickly as this may cause the person to go into shock. So please, don’t immerse them in cold water of give them a drink with ice in it.

Also, if it’s possible, keep monitoring the patient’s body temperature and don’t let them faint. If the victim does happen to faint, check their airway and administer CPR if it’s appropriate.